Amelie returns Suzanne’s memory

Mauresmo became the first French women’s singles champion at Wimbledon since Suzanne Lenglen won the last of her six titles in 1925. The top-seeded Mauresmo also stopped No. 3 Henin-Hardenne from completing a career Grand Slam. The Belgian was trying to win the only major title missing from her collection.

It was the second Grand Slam final between the two players this year – and this time there was an outright winner. Henin-Hardenne retired at 6-1, 2-0 down at the Australian Open in January, handing Mauresmo her first major title.

After Henin-Hardenne hit a forehand into the net on the first match point, Mauresmo dropped to her knees on the grass and buried her face in her hands. After the handshake at the net, she climbed into the stands and shared a long, tearful hug with her coach, Loic Courteau.

Mauresmo received the winner’s trophy – the Venus Rosewater Dish – from the Duke of Kent and held it high in the air as she received a rousing ovation from the Centre Court crowd.

“It feels great,” she told the fans. “I had a great two weeks. I really wanted to win this trophy. It’s a great moment for me. This trophy is so special in the world of tennis. I am very proud.”

Mauresmo won by playing serve-and-volley grass-court tennis. “That’s what I did for the whole tournament and it seems to be working really well,” she said. “That’s what I like to do on grass.”

It was by no means a classic final. Both players looked tight. For a while, particularly in the second set, it seemed like a match no one wanted to win. Henin-Hardenne, winner of five Grand Slam titles, is known as a gritty player who doesn’t give much away to her opponents. Mauresmo, on the other hand, has for years been burdened as an underachiever who tenses up and fades at crucial moments.

This time, Henin-Hardenne buckled and Mauresmo didn’t falter when the match was on the line.

–STEPHEN WILSON